Since the days of the Neanderthal, stories were told under the stars and that appeal has spanned thousands of years. Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Outdoor Stage brings the best of old and new to the Greek Theater at St. Elizabeth’s University in Morristown, NJ and this year’s offering, Shipwrecked, has something for everyone.
Masterful storytelling by playwright Donald Margulies is elevated further with the work of the brilliant Bruce Cromer, a veteran of STNJ’s main stage productions as well as the great outdoors, and a theatre professor by trade. Supported by a superbly talented cast of true characters, each playing many, we enjoy the work of Jabari Carter and Aurea Tomeski as well as new to STNJ Paul Henry. Each of the supporting players plays a full cast on their own, populating the life story of the Amazing Adventure of Louis de Rougement (as Told By Himself), the subtitle of Shipwrecked!
STNJ’s Outdoor Stage is the perfect place to bring your newest theatre goers. Arrive early and bring a picnic and your own blanket or chair, and when the show begins – so does the fun! Keep the aisles free as the actors my rush by you, and even include you in the fun!
Louis takes us from his sickly boyhood to running away with a sea captain where he dives for pearls, gets his sea legs and even has a Robinson Crusoe experience. The actors portraying the people, and more, that he meets are also Foley operators! Parent warning – you may end up with your own Foley set up when your offspring see how they can make ocean and thunder noises....
Jabari Carter’s genius portrayal of man’s best friend is amazing. Aurea Tomeski is literally every woman (you’re welcome for the song cue!) and Paul Henry moves among accents as lightly as Fred Astaire dances – this is a play to remember! Bruce Cromer is the star that guides them with his derring-do and magnificent portrayal of de Rougemont. There is literally something for youth and experience and you must see this show. Doug West’s direction and scenic design gives us the bones to let your imagination soar and the gifted physicality of all the actors makes this an annual Summer event for me as it will become for you.
Shipwrecked runs only through July 30, so get your tickets NOW! Check out the Free Tickets for Kids as sponsored by Madison Rotary and the Rotary Club of Westfield for the youngest fans. This is a weather-dependent event, so check your app then make your date. I’ll see you there – this is too good to go only once! www.ShakespeareNJ.org.